Two-time Boston Marathon champion Evans Chebet has declared his intention to reclaim the New York City Marathon crown when he lines up in the Big Apple on November 2 after falling short last year.
During last year's race, Chebet came close to clinching his second New York title but fell short, placing second in 2:07:45 behind the Netherlands' Abdi Nageeye, who triumphed in 2:07:39. Albert Korir clocked 2:08:00 to complete the podium.
Chebet's only triumph in New York came in 2022 when he cut the tape in 2:08:41, well ahead of Ethiopia's Shura Kitata (2:08:54) and Nageeye (2:10:31). The two are set to square off yet again in New York.
The 36-year-old revealed that he does not expect Nageeye to pose a threat come November. "Last year, I made a mistake, and Nageeye capitalised on the situation to overtake me to win the race. However, I have already studied his running pattern and I don't expect him to be a threat to me this year," Chebet said.
His target will be to execute a flawless master plan to clinch the New York title. "My target is to run well and win in New York. I feel confident I can do that."
The Dutchman is still chasing his first podium finish of the year after finishing eighth at the Barcelona Half Marathon (1:00:58) and fourth in London (2:04:20).
Meanwhile, Chebet will be hoping for improved results after failing to finish in Boston earlier this year. "The Boston Marathon did not go too well for me. I got sick during our layover in Qatar and had some pneumonia."
"However, I decided to run, and around the 37km mark, my body failed to respond well and I had to drop off," Chebet said. Victory in Boston would have earned him a record third straight title.
Chebet was first triumphant in Boston during the 2022 edition, winning in 2:06:51, leading a Kenyan podium sweep with Lawrence Cherono (2:07:21) and Benson Kipruto (2:07:27) in second and third place.
His second triumph came in 2023, where he stormed to 2:05:54 ahead of Tanzania's Gabriel Geay (2:06:04) and Kipruto (2:06:06). Chebet's target in New York will be to clock a sub-2:07 hour. "New York is a course I am familiar with. My target will be to run under 2:07."
The only concern for the Kenyan star is a lingering ankle injury, which has limited his training volume. "I have a slight injury in my ankle, which won't let me run over 5km. I have been having talks with my management, and they have been seeking proper medical attention for me," he said. "We are confident that by the time New York comes, I will be ready and up to the task."
Joining Chebet in the streets of New York to form a strong Kenyan charge are 2024 Tokyo Marathon champion Kipruto, 2024 London Marathon champion Alexander Munyao, Korir and Abel Kipchumba.
